CHAPTER 52: CHAPTER 52: HOME

Regardless, his sister-in-law’s stance had shifted.

From her previous state of complete disapproval, where everything he did was wrong, she now turned a blind eye to his flaws.

As long as he could become a Pillar in the future, she would have no reason to oppose the marriage.

Thinking about it, last night’s incident could be considered a blessing in disguise.

After this, he should start figuring out how to become a Pillar.

No... before that, he should focus on honing his sword technique.

Without mastering his sword technique, he couldn’t even join the Demon Slayer Corps. What’s the point of considering anything else?

Moreover, he still hadn’t found Tanjiro’s family. The only promising lead had gone cold, leaving him utterly clueless about what to do next.

"Do your best... and leave the rest to fate?"

Sosuke sighed. He desperately wanted to save people, but he couldn’t even find the ones he needed to save.

How could he break through this impasse?

"What’s wrong? Still not happy?" Shinobu asked, puzzled by Sosuke’s sudden sighing after she finished speaking.

’Why does he look like he’s the one who’s been wronged?’

"No, no, just thinking about something else," Sosuke replied.

Shinobu said, "That’s true. Becoming a Pillar isn’t easy. Besides, your current sword technique... you probably couldn’t even beat a demon alone."

"...That’s a bit harsh, don’t you think?"

"Without using that broken hammer of yours, you really might not be a match for a demon."

Shinobu continued, "Elder Sister is too lenient with you. Sword technique and combat skills should be honed in actual battles. When we return, I’ll be your sparring partner whenever I don’t have missions. If you can’t break through, just wait to get beaten up by me. Don’t underestimate my strength—I can handle you just fine!"

As she spoke, she clenched her fist, making a cracking sound.

Sosuke’s lips twitched. "I think you just want an excuse to hit me, don’t you?"

Shinobu glared at him. "I’m helping you, and you’re still complaining? Fine, then forget it."

"No, wait! It’s settled." Sosuke thought to himself, ’Having Shinobu as a sparring partner is better than letting Mitsuri handle it. That woman has no sense of restraint whatsoever.’

In comparison, even if Shinobu wanted to... her body simply wasn’t up to the task.

"Why do I get the feeling you’re thinking something terribly rude?" Shinobu asked, eyeing Sosuke suspiciously.

Sosuke shook his head vehemently. "No, absolutely not!"

Shinobu nodded. "I’ve already sent a Kasugai Crow to the Butterfly Mansion to inform them we’ll be delayed by a day. We should be home before nightfall tomorrow."

"Mm-hmm," Sosuke replied, nodding. "Alright, you should rest now."

Shinobu glanced at Sosuke. "What about you?"

"I’m going to find some food..."

According to their rough calculations, they hadn’t eaten anything for an entire day.

Their stomachs were rumbling loudly. If they didn’t find something to eat soon, they might starve to death before reaching home.

The Wisteria Crest House naturally provided meals. After Sosuke explained their needs, the food was quickly prepared.

Considering Shinobu’s weakened state, her meal was light and mild, while Sosuke’s portion was more substantial, with plenty of meat.

After finishing their meal, drowsiness washed over them, and they retired to their rooms for the night.

The next morning, Shinobu had largely recovered.

The pair bid farewell to their host and resumed their journey home. However, halfway there, Shinobu’s stamina gave out.

Though she had recovered, her depleted strength needed time to replenish, requiring at least two or three more days of rest.

Sosuke simply carried her on his back again, and they finally reached the Butterfly mansion before nightfall.

Their trip had started smoothly, but Shinobu’s severe illness and encounter with a demon had made their return feel strangely like coming back from another world.

Especially when they arrived home and saw Kanae standing at the gate to greet them, Sosuke felt a surge of complex emotions.

"When did you get back?" Sosuke asked as he approached Kanae.

Kanae looked at him and gently smoothed his disheveled hair. "Yesterday."

"Did you get enough rest?" LSosuke pressed.

Kanae smiled. "I had a good night’s sleep."

"That’s good," Sosuke nodded.

Shinobu, still clinging to Sosuke’s back like a backpack, grew indignant. ’Am I invisible? Are they completely ignoring me while they talk?’

Unable to suppress a violent cough, Shinobu pushed herself off the him and landed on the floor.

Sosuke and Kanae turned to look at her.

"Still not feeling better?" Sosuke asked, bewildered, reaching out to check her forehead. "No fever... why are you coughing again?"

Kanae chimed in, "I’ve warmed up some medicinal soup. Drink it, get some rest, and you’ll be fine."

Shinobu’s face darkened. She huffed angrily, brushed past them, and stormed into the house.

Sosuke and Kanae exchanged a glance and chuckled simultaneously.

Hearing their laughter, Shinobu gritted her teeth. ’Double the affection? What a lie!’

’There’s none left for me!’

She whirled around, ready to explode, only to find her elder sister standing beside her, gently taking her hand. Beside Kanae stood Sosuke, his face beaming. "Let’s go home," he said.

Shinobu froze, looking up. The Butterfly mansion loomed before her.

___

’This is home.’

’Where my sister is, that’s truly home.’

But why did it feel like something had changed?

Something warm, something that made her heart feel... warm.

Was it just the addition of one more person?

It seemed not... It was because of the addition of one more burning heart.

This heart made the family feel more complete!

A faint smile unconsciously crept across my lips as I felt the warmth of my elder sister’s palm in mine. I glanced at Sosuke, who was grinning foolishly beside me, and couldn’t help but glare at him before leaning against my sister with a smile.

"Let’s go home!"

___

Sosuke rubbed his nose and exchanged a look with Kanae, both seeing the tenderness in each other’s eyes.

At that moment, the cold wind that heralded the coming winter no longer felt icy. A fiery warmth seemed to shield them, keeping the chill at bay.

Back in his small courtyard, Sosuke tidied up his belongings and had just sat down when someone knocked on the door.

He opened it to find Kanae standing there.

He pulled her inside by the hand.

"How’s Shinobu?" Sosuke asked.

"She’s taken her medicine and is resting now," Kanae replied. "Did you encounter another demon? I should have been by your side."

Sosuke shook his head. "Before I become a Pillar, you can’t always be with me. Let me tell you about this trip. I feel Shinobu’s attitude toward me has changed quite a bit."